St Maarten
Caribbean Islands > St Maarten
Language: Dutch (English widely spoken) |
Sint Maarten, part of the Netherlands Antilles, is located on the southern side of the island it shares with French St Martin. It was originally divided from St Martin by the Treaty of Concordia, which was signed on the island's Mount Concordia in 1648. Here on Sint Maarten, commonly spelled St Maarten, you'll find Dutch street names and Dutch products as well as Dutch food and a Belgian chocolate factory. However, other cultures have also influenced St Maarten. English is widely spoken, both French and Italian foods are available, and U.S. dollars are usually accepted here.
|
St Maarten embraced tourism during the 1950s, and it is now a major source of income. Cruise ships frequent the island so passengers can take advantage of the island's duty-free status. Many American products are featured in the Dutch shopping areas.
|
Parts of St Maarten are highly developed with restaurants, services, spas, and luxury accommodations, while other parts are still natural, such as Mullet Bay beach and Cupecoy Beach. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular at the Sint Maarten Nature Foundation's protected marine park, while tourists and sailors appreciate the ambience and amenities offered by Simpson Bay Marina. On land, Cole Bay Hill offers a view of neighboring islands including Saba, St Eustatius, and Anguilla, as well as St Kitts and Nevis. In the capital of Philipsburg, shoppers can enjoy the stores on Old Street and Front Street, and everyone can try restaurants like The Market at Cupecoy. Wathey Square buildings sport West Indian "gingerbread."
|
Leeward Islands Map (including St. Maarten)
 Click map to enlarge. |
|
St Maarten Links
- St. Maarten Tourist Bureau
- St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association
- Geographia > St. Maarten
- Frommers > St. Maarten/St. Martin
- St Martin Restaurants and St Maarten Restaurants
All rights reserved.